Is this still a thing? I used to enjoy reading the threads here at MRF of those pictures of people in queues or sat in their car staring at the shop front at 04:00 or something silly!
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Other Camping outside of the stores
- Thread starter jr866gooner
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This sounds about right.
Even the meetups forum has been dead for quite some time.
New Apple releases are the “norm” now.
I think when the 7/7+ came out Apple said they won’t have walk in stock or something like that. The camp outs haven’t really been a thing since.
Yeah pitching a tent and camping out really isn’t a thing any longer. My uncle stopped doing it like 5 years ago.
I camped out every year because it was fun and I always got the phone I wanted. Staying up at night with a bunch of other folks that were equally pumped about the next morning, watching movies, chatting, etc. I really enjoyed it.
The last one I camped out for was the 7 Plus. Since then, the pre-orders have gone smooth enough that I've been able to get exactly what I want. I still arrange for an 8am store pickup to get my device as early as possible and still have the experience of going into the store early morning to get my device. There will still be people lining up that weren't able to pre-order in time, but it's not to the extent it was before.
It'll be interesting to see what it's like next year, though.
The last one I camped out for was the 7 Plus. Since then, the pre-orders have gone smooth enough that I've been able to get exactly what I want. I still arrange for an 8am store pickup to get my device as early as possible and still have the experience of going into the store early morning to get my device. There will still be people lining up that weren't able to pre-order in time, but it's not to the extent it was before.
It'll be interesting to see what it's like next year, though.
In Tokyo, there were big lines just to walk into a new Apple store a little while ago. This was before the iPhone 11 launch.
But in Tokyo, a new fancy store is like creating a new park so it generates a lot of interest.
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![image.jpeg]( "image.jpeg")
But in Tokyo, a new fancy store is like creating a new park so it generates a lot of interest.
I remember seeing those people waiting in lines to be the 1st to have the iPhone.
Guess it cool if you may have gotten to experience it once but with the cost of the phones now and minimal upgrades not sure it worth waiting outside for hours... just order and you'll typically get it in a few days at least it's that way now.
I do remember in the past those things use to be on backorder for weeks..
Guess it cool if you may have gotten to experience it once but with the cost of the phones now and minimal upgrades not sure it worth waiting outside for hours... just order and you'll typically get it in a few days at least it's that way now.
I do remember in the past those things use to be on backorder for weeks..
I remember a thread where a poster was camped outside and the couple of Chinese scalpers in front of him were letting in several more of their friends. They were buying up all the phones. That was a crazy year before Apple made changes to curb that, like the improved online ordering. Crazy stories back then.
While I didn’t camp out, I remember people driving 2-3 hours away and to other states (like me) to get the 6 Plus. People had iStockNow on constant refresh. No one cared about half the things people seem to complain over now. We just wanted that iPhone by whatever means necessary and we helped others get their desired phone too. The madness was real, but oh so fun here on the forums.
Alas, times have changed now. Online ordering is more efficient even with most of the carriers. It has become the preferred way to upgrade/purchase now. Inventory is more transparent with Apple, the carrier (at least delivery dates), and other retailers. The efficiencies made no longer require lining up unless for very specific circumstances or just one’s desire to do so.
I recall for the iPhone 5 there were massive lines and fights at all stores, UPS thanks to Sprint brought my phone to my door at 11am.
Why anyone would do a line campout is beyond me.